**11 Merchants Tragically Killed in Chilpancingo Amidst Governor’s Performance**
A devastating incident occurred in Chilpancingo, where 11 merchants were found murdered. This grim discovery was made on Vicente Guerrero Boulevard near the Parador del Marqués. The Guerrero State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) announced on November 8, 2024, that a detailed forensic examination confirmed the identities of the victims, including two women, four minors, and five men, all from the community of Chautipan. They had been previously reported missing.
These tragic deaths have prompted the deactivation of their missing persons reports and initiated an investigation into their disappearances. The FGE, alongside federal and state authorities, continues its efforts to locate a group of individuals still missing.
Governor Evelyn Cecia Salgado Pineda has expressed her commitment to supporting the victims’ families and collaborating with the state government to address these issues.
The incident’s timing was highlighted due to the governor’s engagement at a cultural event on the same evening. She performed alongside the Acapulco Symphony Orchestra and singer Jorge Alberto Muñiz Gardner while the bodies were discovered, leading to public scrutiny.
### Secondary Article
**Local Authorities Defend Investigative Process Amid Criticism**
Amid concerns about the handling of the crime scene where the bodies were found, the President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo defended the state’s investigative procedures. Reports had surfaced questioning whether due diligence was observed when removing the crime scene vehicle. The state prosecutor assured that all actions were conducted in compliance with legal standards.
This incident underscores the broader challenges of insecurity in the Guerrero region, with particular tension in areas like Costa Grande and Costa Chica. In response, a federal strategy to enhance regional security is underway, with military deployments aimed at addressing the problem areas and searching for those still missing.
The discovery of the bodies follows a heart-wrenching sequence of events, with the 17 missing individuals last seen heading to sell goods in nearby communities. Efforts to locate them continue, as the military has been deployed to potential target areas for further investigation.
Both local and national authorities stress their commitment to justice and improving safety in the region, even as new allegations about the initial crime scene handling surface. This incident adds to an urgency felt across Guerrero to address ongoing violence and seek preventative measures.